Coyotes beat Blackhawks, pull even for final playoff spot in Western Conference

The Arizona Coyotes haven't been in the playoffs in seven years, but Tuesday night's game in Glendale certainly had a playoff feel as the Coyotes picked up an important win to remain in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.

Nick Cousins' power-play goal early in the third period gave the Coyotes a 1-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at Gila River Arena. The win snapped a five-game losing streak, and Cousins' goal snapped a scoreless drought that lasted over two games for Arizona. Darcy Kuemper made 31 saves to earn his fourth shutout of the season.

The Coyotes now have 81 points this season and are tied with the Colorado Avalanche for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, although the Avalanche still have six regular-season games to play while the Coyotes have just five. The loss shrunk the playoff hopes for the Blackhawks, who remained at 76 points on the season.

Colorado will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday before a crucial showdown with the Coyotes in Denver on Friday night.

After the Avs, the Coyotes will face the Minnesota Wild back in Glendale on Sunday afternoon. The Wild trail the Coyotes and Avalanche by two points for that final playoff spot.

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